COB Gingerbread House Fundraiser, Alpaca Farm Open House

Friday, Nov. 29

Upper Saucon and Lower Milford Township municipal offices CLOSED

8 to 11 a.m., Black Friday Kids Morning Out Present-Making Workshop, Color Me Mine, The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 3060 Center Valley Parkway, Center Valley. Parents can drop the kids off at Color Me Mine for breakfast, classic Christmas cartoon specials on the party room TV, carol singing and present making. We'll be painting a 10 oz. mug and a flat ornament (kids' choice of style) and creating a holiday craft. Ceramic pieces will be ready for pickup in seven days and will be gift-wrapped and ready for giving. Cost: $40 for first child, $35 for each sibling. Children 5 and older may be dropped off; children younger than 5 must have an adult stay in the studio. Call 610-791-2228 to register or visit http://www.sauconvalley.colormemine.com.

Saturday, Nov. 30

10 a.m., Kraussdale Alpacas 11th Annual Open Farm, 5169 Kraussdale Road, East Greenville. Visit Kraussdale Alpacas to see and learn about these wonderful animals. Shop for soft, warm alpaca yarn, socks, sweaters and
more. See spinning demonstrations and enjoy hot apple cider and
homemade cookies! Admission is free. For more information, visit www.kraussdalealpacas.com or call 215-541-1778.

2 to 4 p.m., Meet and Greet with Mike Portnoy and Eddie Trunk, Gr8soundz record store, 1055 Main St., Hellertown. Portnoy is a drummer primarily known as the drummer of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. He has won 26 awards from Modern Drummer magazine and is now the drummer for the Winery Dogs. Trunk, the host of VH1 Classics' 'That Metal Show,' will be selling and signing his newest book, 'Essential Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Volume 2.'

Sunday, Dec. 1

8 a.m., Saucon Valley Lions Breakfast, Se-Wy-Co banquet hall, 3621 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bethlehem. Full breakfast menu and table service. Enjoy eggs, omelets, pancakes, French toast, creamed chipped beef and hash browned potatoes. Meat choices: bacon, ham and sausage. The December special is a "Christmas omelet" (bacon or ham or sausage and cheese topped with tomatoes and peppers). Bring a non-perishable food item to donate and receive 50 cents off.

9 a.m., Community Outreach Benefit fundraiser begins, Good Earth Grains & Creamery, 23 S. Main St., Coopersburg. Support COB, an organization that raises money for families in Coopersburg and the surrounding communities who are struggling financially due to overwhelming medical issues. This family-friendly fundraiser will feature a Gingerbread House Contest sponsored by Good Earth Grains & Creamery. Kits available for purchase (reg. price $10, but while supply lasts, $6.99). Return your decorated house the week of Dec. 1, and by 8 p.m. Dec. 6, to be unveiled at the Coopersburg Tree-Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 7. The decorated houses will then be displayed until the winners are announced Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. Get your family and friends to vote by making a monetary donation to COB. Gift certificates will be awarded to the top three winners. Details are posted online at www.cobcares.org and on Good Earth's Facebook page.

Photo: Gingerbread houses at Good Earth Grains & Creamery in Coopersburg (source: Good Earth Grains & Creamery Facebook page)